Hadith #9009

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا قَويتَ فَاقْوِ عَلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ

which translates to,

When you [wish to] become strong, then be strong in the obedience of Allah, the Glorified.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of strength in the realm of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (qawita) "قَويتَ" in this Hadith means to become strong or powerful. It signifies a state of inner strength and resilience. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us that when we seek to attain strength, we should focus on strengthening our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This implies that true strength lies not in physical power or dominance over others, but in our submission to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This concept of strength in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is beautifully echoed in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:101)

And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path

This verse emphasizes that true guidance and strength come from holding firmly to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His commands.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 47:7)

O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet

This verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between our support for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His support for us. When we strengthen our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), He, in turn, strengthens us and provides us with stability and firmness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that true strength lies in our submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and adherence to His commands. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and development, as it is through obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we can attain true strength and success in this life and the hereafter.

When we are faced with challenges or temptations, it is our strength in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that enables us to resist and overcome them. This strength is not limited to physical or material aspects but encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, character, and moral conduct. It empowers us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam and to stand firm in the face of adversity.

By being strong in our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we become role models for others and inspire them to follow the path of righteousness. Our strength in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has a ripple effect, spreading goodness and righteousness in society. It motivates others to seek strength in their own obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), creating a virtuous cycle of spiritual growth and development.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true strength lies in our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and development, as it is through our submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we can attain true strength and success. This strength enables us to resist temptations, make righteous choices, and inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to be obedient to Him and bless us with success in this life and the hereafter.